Modal Electronics CARBON8X 8-Voice 61 Key Experimental Digital Synthesizer

The Modal Electronics CARBON8X is a full-sized, performance-driven digital polyphonic synthesizer engineered for musicians, producers, and composers who demand expressive control, deep sound design, and an expanded keyboard range. Featuring true 8-voice polyphony and Modal’s advanced high-resolution digital synthesis engine, the CARBON8X delivers exceptional sonic clarity, dynamic responsiveness, and modern flexibility. Its 61-key premium FATAR keyboard makes it ideal for two-handed performance, advanced chord work, and expressive playing techniques across studio and live environments.

At its core, the CARBON8X features two independent high-resolution digital oscillators per voice, each loaded with 56 complex Digital Core Waveforms that include digital algorithms and sophisticated wavetables. These oscillators are enhanced by Modal’s advanced XCore Modifiers-such as Wave Shape, Wave Fold, and Phase Distortion-allowing you to sculpt everything from warm, evolving pads to aggressive, cutting leads and experimental textures. Extended Oscillator Drift and a dedicated Vintage parameter introduce organic movement and tonal character, bridging the gap between pristine digital precision and classic synth warmth.

Designed for modern performance and production workflows, the CARBON8X fully supports MPE-compatible MIDI controllers for polyphonic expression and per-note modulation. A powerful modulation system, multiple filter types, advanced sequencing, arpeggiation, and three independent stereo FX engines make this synthesizer a complete sound-design workstation. Housed in a road-ready steel and aluminum enclosure with bamboo end cheeks and paired with a bright OLED display, the CARBON8X is built to deliver reliability, flexibility, and inspiration in any musical setting.

Key Features

• True 8-voice digital polyphonic synthesizer
• 61-key premium FATAR keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch
• MPE support for advanced polyphonic expression
• Dual high-resolution digital oscillators per voice
• Advanced modulation, sequencing, and arpeggiation engine
• Three independent stereo FX engines with 26 algorithms
• Road-ready metal enclosure with bamboo end cheeks

Technical Specifications

Polyphony: True 8 voice polyphonic

MPE: Supports MPE-compatible MIDI controllers, allowing polyphonic control and expression to individual notes

Oscillators: Two independent high-resolution digital oscillators
56 complex Digital Core Waveforms per oscillator, including 18 Digital Algorithms and 38 sophisticated Wavetables
Advanced XCore Modifiers including Wave Shape, Wave Fold, Phase Distortion, and others
Extended Oscillator Drift
Vintage Parameter

Filter: 34 resonant filter types including morphable and static filters
Cutoff Scaling with two distinctive modes

Modulation: Three dedicated envelope generators for AMP, MOD, and FILTER, accessible independently or simultaneously, including negative (reverse) versions for MOD and FILTER envelopes
Three audio-rate LFOs with tempo sync (two polyphonic, one global) with over 15 shapes
Eight assignable modulation slots and four fixed modulation routings with 12 modulation sources and 55 modulation destinations

Sequencer and Arpeggiator: Polyphonic real-time sequencer with 512 notes and four recordable/editable parameter animations
Polyphonic step sequencer with 64 steps, 8 notes per step, four lanes of parameter-lock style animation, step input mode, multiple playback modes including gate modes and rest functionality
Built-in programmable polyphonic arpeggiator with 32 steps, rest capability, and up to 2048 steps before repeating

FX: Three independent, user-configurable stereo FX engines with 26 effects algorithms including Drive, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tremolo, LoFi, Rotary, Stereo Delay, Ping-Pong Delay, X-Over Delay, and Reverb

User Memory: 500 fully editable patch memories with 300 factory programs
100 sequencer presets linkable to any patch
100 FX presets
8 Quick Recall slots accessible directly from the panel

Controls and Performance: Premium FATAR 61-key keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch
29 endless encoders and 24 buttons
Assignable 4-axis joystick with lock function
Keyboard modes: Mono, Poly, Unison 2, Unison 4, Unison 8, Stack 2, Stack 4
Glide/Portamento with legato and staccato modes
Chord Invert control for easy chord inversions and variations

Inputs and Outputs: Dual 1/4" TS mono line outputs
1/4" TRS headphone output
1/8" TRS stereo audio input
MIDI DIN In and Out
1/8" TS analog clock sync In and Out
Class-compliant MIDI over USB
1/4" TRS expression pedal input
1/4" TS sustain pedal input

Enclosure and Display: Steel and aluminum enclosure with stained bamboo end cheeks
1.54-inch OLED display

Power: DC 9V, 1.5A, center-positive

Editor Software: Free MODALapp editor for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android
VST3 and AU versions available for DAW integration

Dimensions: 34.8" x 11.8" x 4" (L x W x H)
Weight: 19.9 lbs